Elmer’s Big Parade Suffolk, which will take place in summer 2019, will see a trail of approximately 50 Elmer sculptures around Ipswich, raising money for St Elizabeth Hospice.

Suffolk Fostering and Adoption’s elephant will be designed and painted by Suffolk artist Lois Cordelia and will be a tribute to Suffolk’s children in care. Lois will take inspiration from children in care’s stories and will celebrate all the different types of family we have in Suffolk.

Suffolk County Councillor Gordon Jones cabinet member for Children’s Services and Skills said:

“I am delighted that Suffolk Fostering and Adoption are taking part in Elmer’s Big Parade Suffolk and I hope it encourages families taking part in the trail, to take the time, to consider whether they could become foster carers or adopters. Elmer’s story celebrates diversity and helps those who feel that they don’t belong to see that they really do; to be themselves and to flourish in life. I believe this is also true for all the children we care for. We are committed to offering high quality support to secure a positive future for children through fostering and adoption and our priority is finding forever families for those children most in need.”

Norman Lloyd, Campaign Manager at St Elizabeth Hospice, said:

“We are so pleased that Suffolk Fostering and Adoption are working with Lois to create the design for their sculpture. We are sure that together they are going to develop a truly beautiful design which we hope will inspire people to find out more about this important service.”

Suffolk’s children and young people’s service currently have over 850 children in care. These children need someone who can understand what they have been through, look at the world through their eyes and provide warmth, consistency and emotional support.

If you are looking for a new challenge and have patience and compassion, you could provide a child with the secure home life they need to thrive and achieve. To find out more please visit: www.fosterandadopt.suffolk.gov.uk or call 01473 264800